Section Operator

Iberdrola • Vestal, NY

11d • Onsite

About The Position

Under directive supervision, the Section Operator coordinates the operation of Section facilities that may impact electric and gas transmission and distribution systems. This role involves coordinating the outage of lines and equipment for testing, maintenance, and repairs to ensure service continuity in collaboration with Area and District operating personnel. The operator issues switching orders for de-energizing, grounding, tagging, and re-energizing various facilities including transmission, sub-transmission, distribution, substations, and generating plants. A key responsibility is ensuring strict adherence to "Operating Instructions for Switching and Tagging Procedures of Electric Lines and Equipment" and standard procedures for gas operations. The role also includes performing initial analysis of trouble within the Section, initiating actions to minimize interruptions, operating and monitoring supervisory controlled electric substations, and maintaining gas pressures within specified limits using supervisory control equipment. Additionally, the operator maintains logs of operations, updates system diagram boards, receives trouble calls during off-duty hours for customer service and switchboard operators, and dispatches crews for minor troubles during these times. The position requires recognizing and reporting unusual conditions to appropriate personnel and performing other related or less skilled tasks as needed.

Requirements

• A.A.S. degree in Electrical Technology
• 3 years' experience in electric operating or related functions
• Ability to absorb Company training in Section Operating work, measured by appropriate job knowledge tests as described in the Memorandum of Agreement titled "Section Operator Training Program"
• General knowledge of the operation of generating stations, transmission and distribution lines, substations, gas distribution systems, geography of Company territory, Company Safety Rules, "Operating Instructions for Switching and Tagging Procedures of Electric Lines and Equipment", and standard procedures for gas operations.
• Ability to qualify for Automobile Operator's License, when required.
• Normal health, physique, and use of senses as indicated by passing the required physical examination given by a Company physician, including color perception.
• Analytical ability and emotional stability.
• Neat and orderly in work and preparation of records.
• Willingness to work extra and/or irregular hours and/or a shift schedule.
• Ability to receive and transmit orders and instructions in such a manner as to inspire respect and confidence.
• Meet the general requirements for all employees as outlined in the Preamble to the Job Specification Manual.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the operation of Section facilities affecting electric and gas transmission and distribution systems.
• Coordinates the outage of lines and equipment for testing, maintenance, and repairs to ensure service continuity.
• Issues switching orders for de-energizing, grounding, tagging, and re-energizing transmission, sub-transmission, distribution, substation, and generating plant facilities.
• Ensures rigid observance of "Operating Instructions for Switching and Tagging Procedures of Electric Lines and Equipment" and standard procedures for gas operations.
• Performs initial analysis of trouble in the Section and initiates action to minimize interruptions.
• Operates and monitors supervisory controlled electric substations throughout the Section.
• Monitors and maintains gas pressures at given locations within predetermined limits using supervisory control equipment.
• Keeps logs of operations in the Section to supplement automatically recorded data.
• Marks up system diagram boards to conform with current field conditions.
• Receives trouble calls when customer service personnel and switchboard operators are off duty.
• Dispatches crews for minor troubles during off-duty hours.
• Recognizes unusual conditions and situations and informs responsible Corporate, Area, or District operating personnel.
• Performs other related or less skilled work as required.

Benefits

• Fair and equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree